Response to Emotional Wellbeing

#1 I feel that when I am stressed my emotions are heightened and I overthink even more than usual. I noticed a connection between my lack of confidence and stress levels. A few weeks ago, I made plans to hang out with my friends ahead of time, but when the date came I bailed. I did not have the energy for it and began to feel like the stress I felt all week took its toll on my body. Anything I tried on looked bad and the makeup could not cover the puffy eyes from lack of sleep. To destress I turned a candle on, meditated, slept, and texted my friends an explanation in the morning since it is not like me to bail on plans.

#2 I identify more as a realist but recognize that I engage in pessimism much more frequently than optimism. Though it is an everyday struggle, I continue to remind myself how far I have come. I also write down post-it notes or save reminders on Instagram and my phone. A recent reminder that seems to help is “stop making a mountain out of a molehill.” I am a planner and sometimes this leads me to overreact and fall into the hole of “what ifs” when I should simply try to be more aware of the present moment and intentional with my thoughts, actions, and behaviors. This is something I am working on with the help of my therapist.

#3 One thing that has helped me more present and intentional in my everyday decision-making and activities is waking up every morning and meditating for 5-10 minutes. After meditating, I find a mantra to speak into existence. Keeping the mantra in my head throughout the day helps remind me to live in alignment with what I value and hope to accomplish.